Paul Merson shares Liverpool warning already ahead of 2025-26 season
Liverpool are still celebrating their 2024-25 Premier League title success, but Paul Merson has already fired a warning ahead of the next campaign.
The Reds have had a brilliant first season under Arne Slot’s reign, winning the Premier League with four games to spare.
Four of their players were named in Alan Shearer’s Team of the Season, including skipper Virgil an Dijk.
However, Liverpool haven’t won a game since sealing the title, raising questions over whether the champions got lucky this season.
Returning to Anfield for the last game, Slot’s side aims to finish strong and give fans a final win to end the season.
Merson raises Van Dijk question mark
A home match against FA Cup winner Crystal Palace provides a chance for both sides to celebrate, before then switching focus to a short summer break and next season.
In his article for Sportskeeda (22 May), Merson said he believes many doubters would say Liverpool only won the league this season because the other teams were poor.
The 57-year-old also expressed concern about Liverpool’s depth, saying an injury to Van Dijk next season would be a real test for the team.
“My only worry for Liverpool next season is what do they do if Virgil van Dijk gets injured? That would really test them in my opinion,” said Merson.
Slot’s side can already think about next season
People may say Liverpool got lucky, but winning the Premier League demands skill, consistency and hard work.
Slot’s side has set the league on fire and capitalised on other teams’ poor performances this season.
However, the Liverpool manager and board will focus on next season to reclaim their crown.
They aim to become the first club to win 21 league titles before Manchester United, who won’t play in Europe next year.
If Liverpool recruit well in the summer, it could help continue their momentum going into next season.
Jeremie Frimpong is rumoured to be Liverpool’s first signing for next season, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is joining Real Madrid.
They will also want to recruit well, as rivals are already strengthening for a competitive 2025/26 Premier League season.